Wolfert’s Roost in Irvington: New on the Dining Scene

The former Cupcake Kitchen space in Irvington transformed into Wolfert’s Roost, a relaxed, family-friendly eatery, opening its doors Nov. 20.

Chef-owner Eric Korn, along with chef Jennie Werts, created a menu of simple, comforting dishes divided into four categories: Salads, Medium Plates, Large Plates and Big Bowls. Both chefs were trained at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, now called the International Culinary Center. Korn is the chef behind the high-end, boutique catering company and cafe, Good-Life Gourmet, in Irvington, and several pop-ups.

Before “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” author Washington Irving called his property Sunnyside, it was known as Wolfert’s Roost, after Wolfert Acker, a Colonial-era American. Korn thought it was a good name for his new restaurant, calling it The Roost for short.

“I envisioned it to be a place with food that I want to be cooking and eating with my friends and family,” Korn said.

The menu starts with dishes such as Warm Bacon Salad with winter greens, apples, spiced pecans and maple bacon vinaigrette or the Bloomin’ Broccoli with apricot jam and Humboldt Fog cheese. A medium plate to share with friends includes Wild Mushroom Bruschetta with a sunny side up egg and Taleggio cheese.

Large plates to share as dinner for two? There’s the Captain’s Catch with seasonal vegetables and quinoa salad, or the Dope ‘Effing Steak, a 28-day, dry-aged Tomahawk from Pat Lefrieda, served with roasted garlic, herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, with a choice of two sides. Don’t ask for the steak cooked more than medium.

If you really want an adventurous meal, do the Omakase, in which the chef creates a unique grand tasting for you.

Korn and his team renovated the space, redoing the wood floors and adding metal and white accents. There are Mason jar sconces and black-framed artworks. Guests can bring their own beer and wine with no corkage fee.

Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. should start Wednesday. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed Sunday. Brunch is planned to start in the spring of 2015. Wolfert’s Roost is at 100 Main St., Irvington. Call 914-231-7576 or visit wolfertsroostirv.com.